Cruises from Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is located approximately midway along the western coast of Mexico. The shore is actually in the Bahia de Banderas, which leads out to the Pacific Ocean. This is the heart of the Mexican Riviera and Puerto Vallarta is second only to Cancun as the most popular tourist destination in the country.

Puerto Vallarta has a wet season, running from June through October, but the rest of the year is dry. When temperatures go up the prices go down, as summer months can be very hot and humid, with highs in the upper 80’s F. Between September and December the climate is more pleasant, with highs ranging from upper 60’s to upper 70’s F and with only the occasional shower. The best time to visit is December through March; though as this is the high season expect prices to be a little higher.

Take a relaxing stroll through the town, which has quaint cobblestone streets that paint a wonderful colonial picture. Also visit the waterfront promenade that offers a stunning view of the city and bay. The town has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, both in long stretches to the north and in a series of wonderful coves to the south.

Puerto Vallarta offers a wide variety of activities and interests. You are likely to find something for everyone, whether you are looking for sites to visit or just relaxing on the beaches. Bahia de Banderas is the largest bay in Mexico and offers a 30mile view from one end to the other. Banderas is the Mexican word for banners or flags and the bay got its name when 20,000 Indians, bearing feathered flags, greeted an early explorer.

The Cathedral of Our lady of Guadalupe has a shining golden crown atop its steeple and is the most distinctive landmark in Puerto Vallarta. Today, it is a replica of a replica of the crown worn by Carlota, who was Empress of Mexico in the 1860’s. The cathedral was damaged during an earthquake in 1995 and has since been restored.

Malecon is a mile long boardwalk that provides a wonderful view of Puerto Vallarta. This is also a favourite place for local Vallartenos families to take their Sunday afternoon strolls.

Puerto Vallarta is divided by a river, in the middle of which is a small island that has boutiques, cafes and a botanical garden. Marina Vallarta is the largest in Mexico, with some 500 berths and is also the most sophisticated. It is surrounded by a boardwalk, art galleries, shops and shopping malls. You will also find luxury hotels, condos, restaurants and even a golf course.

A quick glance at the cliffs surrounding Mismaloya Beach might give the impression that they are moving. However, a closer look will show the apparent movement to be caused by Iguana, for this is where the movie “Night of the Iguana” was filmed. The original set is still there and serves as a restaurant. Nearby is the location where “Predator” was filmed in a lush park, which looks a lot like a jungle. Here you can see waterfalls, pools and enjoy a relaxing meal at a riverside restaurant.

Puerto Vallarta has a zoo of sorts, called Dolphin Encounter, where you can climb into a cage, waist deep in water and Bottlenose dolphins swim all around. In winter you can go whale watching, right in Puerto Vallarta, as humpback whales use the deep waters of Banderas Bay as a breeding ground and microphones are placed underwater so you can hear them talk to each other. You can also spot green sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins.